KRI Klewang 625 Diluncurkan

31 Agustus 2012

KRI Klewang 625 berhasil diluncurkan dari galangan kapal PT. Lundin Industry Invest. Kementerian Pertahanan memesan 4 kapal trimaran dengan harga per unit Rp 114 miliar (photos : Commando, Kaskus Militer, image : Lundin)

TNI AL Luncurkan Kapal Siluman Tercanggih

KBRN, Banyuwangi: Kapal Cepat Rudal (KCR) Trimaran / KRI Klewang 625 yang merupakan kapal siluman pertama didunia, Jum'at (31/8) secara resmi diluncurkan.

Kapal yang memiliki panjang 63 meter buatan Banyuwangi tersebut diklaim sebagai kapal perang tercanggih didunia karena sulit terdeteksi oleh radar.

Wakil Asisten Logistik Kepala Staf Angkatan Laut Laksamana Pertama, Sayid Anwar, mengatakan peluncuran KRI Klewang merupakan prestasi yang membanggakan bagi Indonesia karena merupakan kapal jenis combatan yang sulit dideteksi oleh radar karena dibuat dari bahan komposit yang ringan sehingga memiliki kecepatan sampai 35 knot.

"KRI Klewang ini sangat ringan sehingga memiliki kecepatan yang cocok untuk misi rahasia dan tempur," ujarnya.

KCR Trimaran merupakan kapal perang tercanggih yang dikembangkan sejak tahun 2009 oleh TNI AL dan PT. Lundin, akan dilengkapi  rudal jarak tembak 120 km membuat kapal ini menjadi kapal perang kebanggaan Indonesia.

"Kapal ini akan dilengkapi 4 rudal jenis C 705 produksi cina dan perlengkapan canggih lainnya," tambah Laksamana Pertama Sayid Anwar.

KRI Klewang tersebut akan diawaki oleh 27 ABK tersebut rencanya akan memperkuat Armatim TNI AL di Surabaya. (Sumarsono/DS/AKS)

(RRI)

Upgraded Orion Transition Course Starts Flying

31 August 2012

The P-3K2 Orion Transition Course ready for flight! (all photos : NZDF)

A significant milestone has been passed in the P-3K2 Orion Introduction Into Service process—on 17 August the first Transition Course sortie was flown. Training sorties are now being flown frequently from Whenuapai.

Flying training on the newly upgraded Orions is an important step for the operational test and evaluation of the upgraded aircraft, one of the major projects undertaken by the RNZAF and the Ministry of Defence.

Group Captain Kevin McEvoy, the Officer Commanding 485 Wing, said

‘I was delighted that we have accomplished this major advance in training for the aircraft’s improved capability. The initial aim of our test and evaluation programme is to release the Search and Rescue and Maritime Surveillance capabilities of the upgraded aircraft. The flying phase of the aircrew training marks a step change in our work towards that aim.”

Squadron Leader Bill Rowling, the P-3K2 Introduction Into Service Manager explained that another two aircraft should be joining the sole P-3K2 in the upgraded fleet by the end of September.

- NZ4205, the second production aircraft, is under going acceptance testing at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

- NZ4201, the first production aircraft, is undergoing its scheduled Depot Servicing, also at Woodbourne.

When these two aircraft reach Whenuapai, they will bring the P-3K2 fleet up to three.

Steve Smyth, HQ NZDF Capability Branch Manager Air Introduction Into Service, acknowleged the reality of managing a complex project such as the Orion upgrade: “The reality is that we have had un-forecast, but necessary, additional airframe testing and a few ‘legacy’ issues with temperamental engines and propellers.

“None-the-less, the P-3K2 capability delivery team within the Joint Project Office, across Capability Branch, Ministry of Defence, 485 Wing, No.5 Squadron and in the RNZAF Directorate of Project Engineering and Certification [who lead the technical airworthiness delivery and engineering support] have been incredibly resilient.

“Our first Transition Course is primed to graduate at the end of October, allowing capability development and operational test and evaluation on the upgraded Orions to commence soon after.”

(NZDF)

Giraffes CRAM Replace Piranhas

31 Agustus 2012

The Swedish designed Australian owned radar system and transporter is designated as the Giraffe Full Operational Capability (FOC) System. (photo : Aus DoD)

Piranhas are being replaced by Giraffes in Tarin Kot Afghanistan – not as in a variety of fauna but in the form of serious life-saving hardware.

Leased from Sweden, the Piranha 740 is the name given to the distinctive Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar (CRAM) system radar and vehicle that has been providing a reliable indirect fire warning to Multi National Base – Tarin Kot since December 2010.

The incoming Swedish-designed, Australian-owned radar system and transporter that landed this week, is designated as the Giraffe Full Operational Capability System.

With two Giraffes replacing the old system, Senior CRAM Watch Keeper, Captain David Petersen, said the safety on the base will be further improved.

Leased from Sweden, "Piranha 740" is the name given to the Counter Rocket Artillery & Mortar (CRAM) system radar and vehicle that has been providing a reliable indirect fire warning to Multi National Base – Tarin Kot since December 2010. (photo : Aus DoD)

“The system will provide far greater airspace management, sense, warn and locate capabilities,” Captain Petersen said.

The arrival of the Giraffe radars is the last stage of the LAND 19 phase 7A acquisition project. The Giraffe radars are a Swedish made system that is considered one of the best radars in the world for the detection of rocket artillery and mortars.

Bombardier Jordan Haskins who managed the every day functioning of the old system will now oversee its redeployment.

“It was very reliable considering it was radar designed for the arctic environment now operating in desert conditions – preventative maintenance and TLC was the key to its dependability,” Bombardier Haskins said.

“With two systems in place we will have complimentary coverage – it adds to increased safety for all personnel on the ground.”

(Aus DoD)

Airbus Military Ferries First C212 to Vietnam Marine Police

30 Agustus 2012

C212-400 MPA Vietnam Marine Police/Coast Guard (photo : Fride Janson)

Airbus Military has delivered to Vietnam the first of three C212-400 maritime patrol aircraft ordered by the Vietnam Marine Police.

The aircraft, manufactured in Seville, Spain was handed over at Gia Lam (Hanoi) at the end of a 10-day ferry flight from Skavsta, Sweden following installation of its mission system. It was formally delivered last year prior to the conversion work in Sweden.

The flight, commanded by ferry pilot Capt Alejandro Grande supported by two co-pilots, two flight engineers and a technical representative, staged through: Kosice, Slovakia; Sitia, Greece; Luxor, Egypt; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Muscat, Oman; Ahmedabad and Kolkata, India;and Chiang Mai, Thailand; en route to Hanoi.

The three aircraft will be used for a range of missions including coastal patrol, search and rescue, anti-pollution operations, and law enforcement against smuggling of goods or people.

A second aircraft is under conversion in Sweden and the third will be transferred from Seville by the end of the year.

A total of 478 C212s have been ordered by operators in 42 countries worldwide.

(AirbusMilitary)

TNI AL Siap Luncurkan Kapal Cepat Rudal Antiradar

30 Agustus 2012

Kapal cepat rudal Trimaran KRI Klewang 625 (all photos : Radar Banyuwangi, Lundin, Kaskus Militer)

KALIPURO – Proses pembuatan kapal cepat rudal (KCR) Trimaran milik TNI AL sudah rampung. Kapal canggih yang diproduksi PT. Lundin Industry Invest, Kelurahan Klatak, Kecamatan Kalipuro, Banyuwangi itu akan diluncurkan Jumat besok (31/8).

Dalam peluncuran armada baru TNI AL yang diberi nama KRI Klewang itu akan hadir sejumlah perwira tinggi dari mabes TNI AL. Kapal KCR Trimaran merupakan pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemenhan) RI untuk memperkuat armada TNI AL.

President Director PT. Lundin Industry Invest, Mr. John Lundin menjelaskan, KRI Klewang memiliki desain termutakhir yang dibuat berdasar model Trimaran atau kapal berlunas tiga. Bahan dasar yang digunakan adalah composite material dan memiliki panjang 63 meter.

KRI Klewang, jelas Lundin, tergolong salah satu dari kapal terbesar berlunas banyak yang dibuat di kawasan Asia Tenggara. Dengan bentuk lunasnya yang radikal, kapal itu dapat melaju dengan kecepatan maksimum lebih dari 30 knots. “Kapal ini dapat menembus ombak lautan sampai setinggi enam meter,” jelas Lundin.

Salah satu kemampuan KRI Klewang yang diunggulkan dan dibanggakan adalah stealth. Kapal ini didesain khusus agar tidak terdeteksi oleh radar manapun. Sebab, desain KRI Klewang unik dan bahan dasarnya adalah carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber memiliki karakteristik unik, yaitu tidak menginduksi panas dan lebih kuat daripada baja tapi lebih ringan. “KRI Klewang layak menjadi kebanggaan rakyat Indonesia sebagai salah satu alutsista andalan yang diproduksi industri pertahanan nasional,” tegas Lundin bangga.

Komandan Pangkalan TNI AL Banyuwangi, Letkol Muhammad Nazif menambahkan, KRI Klewang merupakan satu-satunya kapal cepat combatan TNI AL yang menggunakan bahan composite. Tugas utama yang akan diemban kapal itu adalah sebagai kapal cepat rudal yang mampu melaksanakan operasi keamanan laut dan tempur laut. “Tugas tambahannya, patroli keamanan laut, pengamanan sumber daya alam dan objek vital di laut,” katanya.

KRI Klewang bisa melaksanakan patroli keamanan laut dengan kecepatan ekonomis dan operasi terus-menerus di daerah selama 10 hari. Selain itu, KRI Klewang juga mempunyai kecepatan tinggi dan mampu melaksanakan operasi laut gabungan dengan berbagai tipe kapal lain. “Kapal itu juga meiliki peralatan modern dalam rangka klasifikasi target sasaran, observasi, dan identifikasi,” jelasnya. (afi/c1/aif)

(Radar Banyuwangi)

Cabinet Approved the Procurement of Four EC-725 Helicopters for RTAF

29 Agustus 2012

EC-725 Combat Search and Rescue helicopter (photo : A. Pecchi)

ThaiArmedForce.com – It has reported that the Cabinet approved the procurement of Air Force helicopters from Eurocopter 4 aircraft worth U.S. $ 4 billion, although the report did not specify the version that will be provided. But it is quite certain that the EC725 Super Cougar Search and Rescue.

Air Force plans to supply helicopters to replace UH-1H, Air Force will be supplied with 16 aircraft by dividing the project into three phases: Phase 1 acquisition of four aircraft, phase two : supply 8 aircraft, and phase 3 : 4 supply 4 aircraft.

The EC725 is a versatile long-range development from Super Puma or Cougar-2 family, pilot carrying troops or the weight of 28 tons, 2 Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engine, operating range 857 mile range, fly 1325 miles with a top speed of 175 knots. In service in France, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico, total orders to date (not counting the orders of the United States) are 131 aircraft.

Sources in the Air Force told to ThaiArmedForce.com that there was 4 company that competes : Sikorsky S-92 from American, EC725 from Eurocopter in Europe, AW139 from AugustaWestland of Italy, and Mi-17 from Kazan/Ulan-Ude from Russia. Primarily by the Air Force's Mi-17 and AW139 cut out.

The Air Force is committed to supply the S-92 with the procurement of three aircrafts, that the Royal Aircraft recently acquired. However, sources indicate that the S-92 does not offer Search and Rescue equipment to the Air Force. The Air Force is required to purchase equipment for Search and Rescue and the EC725 is equipped with it. As a result, the total price will be, and the Air Force to procure changes in the EC725.

While this has not been officially signed the contract. The process is still under negotiation.

(ThaiArmedForce)

Gov't Buying P66 Million Worth of Rifles for Marines

29 Agustus 2012

P66 million allocated for the acquisition of 120 units of 7.62 mm designated marksman rifles for the Marines (photo : Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines- The Department of National Defense (DND) will acquire P66 million worth of rifles for the Philippine Marine Corps in line with its efforts to upgrade the military’s capability.

A bid bulletin signed by DND Assistant Secretary Ernesto Boac showed that the opening of bids for the project will be on Sept. 13.

The government has allotted P66 million for the acquisition of 120 units of 7.62 mm designated marksman rifles with integrated logistics support.

Bidders should have completed within five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids a contract similar to the project.

The DND will adhere to open competitive bidding procedures as provided by the implementing rules of the procurement law.

"Bidding is open to all interested bidders, whether local or foreign, subject to the conditions for eligibility,” DND said.

Interested parties may buy bid documents worth P50,000 from the DND Bids and Awards Committee.

The DND will hold a pre-bid conference on Aug. 30 at the DND office in Camp Aguinaldo to provide prospective bidders more information about the project.

The deadline for the submission of bids will be on Sept. 13. The offers will be opened on the same day. Bids that are higher than the approved budget of contract will be rejected.

The products being offered are eligible if they are being used by the military of the company's country of origin or by the armed forces of at least two countries.

The Aquino administration has vowed to provide the military the necessary equipment and assets to enable it to perform its mandate.

For the Navy, the government plans to acquire strategic sea-lift vessels with amphibious vessels, off-shore patrol vessels, three naval helicopters, coast watch stations and weather-heavy endurance cutters.

The Army would be given new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored personnel carriers, force protection equipment like helmets and bulletproof vests, night-fighting equipment and radios.

Meanwhile, the government would buy surface attack aircraft, air defense radars, long-range patrol aircraft and closed air support aircraft for the Air Force.

(PhilStar)

Super Hornet Set to Serve for Decades

29 Agustus 2012

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (photo : Aus DoD)

SUPER Hornet aircraft are likely to serve the RAAF for decades, rather than providing an interim capability, a leading defence analyst says.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) budget program director Mark Thomson says the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets will provide the RAAF with combat capability from the retirement of the F-111 until the arrival of the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

On Friday, Defence Minister Stephen Smith said 12 of the 24 Super Hornets would be equipped as Growlers, giving the RAAF a very advanced electronic warfare capability of a kind the US only fielded in 2009.

Dr Thomson says on top of the $1.5 billion price tag, the RAAF will face ongoing and substantial ownership costs.

"More importantly, by taking the Growler option the government has dispensed with the fiction that the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets are only an interim fix pending the arrival of the F-35," he said in ASPI's The Strategist blog.

Dr Thomson says, assuming the JSF purchase goes ahead, the RAAF will be operating two fleets of combat aircraft for the next couple of decades, having to spend twice as much on the fixed cost of fleet operations.

He says the RAAF must be worried, as long-term plans to buy up to 100 JSF aircraft must be in jeopardy.

"The most optimistic outcome is that long-term additional cost of operating two fleets will be funded by purchasing fewer F-35 aircraft," he said.

"Say goodbye to 100 aircraft."

More worrying still is the prospect someone will crunch the numbers and come up with the obvious alternative - cancel JSF entirely and use the substantial savings for an all-Super Hornet fleet, he said.

"Sure, the F/A-18E/F does not have the technical performance (promised) by the F-35, but it's good enough for the US Navy to be taking new deliveries at the moment," he said.

"Moreover, a larger fleet of slightly less capable aircraft would be better to have in many circumstances."

(The Australian)

Tahun 2013 Belanja Persenjataan Rp 28,2 T

28 Agustus 2012

Anggaran Kementrian Pertahanan 2013 sebesar Rp 77,7 triliun, dari jumlah tersebut sebesar Rp 28,2 triliun adalah untuk belanja alutsista/persenjataan (photo : Kaskus Militer)

JAKARTA. Kondisi alat utama sistem persenjataan (alutsista) negara kita sudah banyak yang uzur. Tak ada cara lain, selain melakukan modernisasi mesin tempur Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI).

Untuk itu, tahun depan, pemerintah menyiapkan anggaran untuk membeli peralatan perang baru maupun memperbaiki yang lama sebesar Rp 28,2 triliun. Ini naik 36,31% dari total bujet belanja Kementerian Pertahanan (Kemhan) yang mencapai Rp 77,7 triliun dalam Rancangan Anggaran Pendapatan dan Belanja (RAPBN) tahun 2013.

Jumlah tersebut meningkat sebanyak Rp 4,8 triliun atau 6,6% ketimbang anggaran belanja Kemhan di APBN Perubahan 2012 yang sebesar Rp 72,9 triliun. Bujet belanja Rp 77,7 triliun ini berasal dari keuangan negara sebesar Rp 64,4 triliun, pinjaman luar negeri sebesar Rp 12,8 triliun, dan pinjaman dalam negeri sebesar Rp 600 miliar.

Hartind Asrin, Staf Ahli Menteri Pertahanan Bidang Keamanan, mengatakan, kenaikan anggaran dari Rp 72,9 triliun menjadi Rp 77,7 triliun akibat melonjaknya seluruh aspek anggaran, mulai dai belanja pegawai, belanja barang hingga belanja modal.

Sedang bujet belanja alutsista merupakan rencana strategis lima tahun, yakni 2010 sampai 2014. "Total anggaran belanja alutsista selama lima tahun mencapai Rp 150 triliun," katanya kepada KONTAN, Senin (27/8).

Tahun ini, Kemhan menargetkan pengadaan alutsista bisa mencapai 40%. "Kami menunggu undangan DPR untuk membahas alokasi anggaran ini. Mungkin pekan depan," imbuh Hartind.

T.B. Hasanuddin, Wakil Ketua Komisi Pertahanan (I) DPR, bilang, pembahasan RAPBN 2013 mulai awal September 2012 nanti."Butuh waktu dua tiga bulan untuk merampungkan pembahasan ini karena substansinya sangat banyak," ujarnya.

Menurut Hasanuddin, belanja alutsista sangat penting karena banyak senjata TNI yang sudah tua. "Usia senjatanya bahkan ada yang sudah 30 tahun. Maka, harus diganti dengan senjata yang lebih modern," ungkapnya.

Politikus Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan (PDIP) ini berharap, anggaran Kemhan bisa digunakan sesuai dengan rencana strategis yang telah ditetapkan. Selain itu, bisa terjadi transfer of technology di setiap pembelian alutsista dari luar negeri, serta mengedepankan prinsip transparansi dan akuntabel.

Hasanuddin menambahkan, pengadaan alutsista dari luar negeri antara lain pesawat yang dibeli dari Rusia, Amerika Serikat, Korea Selatan, dan Brasil. Sementara, pembelian dari dalam negeri melibatkan PT Pindad, PT PAL dan PT Dirgantara Indonesia.

(Kontan)

The First of the Six Submarines for Vietnamese Navy was Launched in St. Petersburg

28 Agustus 2012

Vietnam has ordered six Kilo 636 submarines to Russia (photo : RIA Novosti)

S.-PETERBURG/MOSKVA (RIA Novosti) -  JSC "Admiralty Shipyards" in St. Petersburg on Tuesday launched the diesel-electric submarine of Project 636 "Kilo" for a foreign client, told RIA Novosti the shipyard.

According to RIA Novosti source in the military-industrial complex, it is the first of six ordered Vietnam diesel-electric submarines of Project 636.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, in December 2009, said it has signed a contract for the delivery of six Russian submarines of project 636 in the amount of about $ 2 billion.

"The first submarine under the contract launchs on Tuesday, after which the cycle begins her test," - said the source.

He also said that by the end of 2012, the first submarine will be handed over to the customer.

Completion of the contract will be completed by 2016.

Project 636 submarines have total displacement 3,100 tons, speed 20 knots, diving depth of 300 meters, the crew of 52 people. On its armed with torpedoes 533 millimeters (six units), mines, missile strike "Caliber" (NATO : SS-N-27 Sizzler).

JSC "Admiralty Shipyards" - the oldest shipyard in Russia, founded by 5 November 1704. The company specializes in the design, production and modernization of the civil fleet of ships, as well as the construction of ships for military use. At present capacity of the plant is fully loaded. In construction, in particular, there are two series of six submarines: Project 636 for foreign navies and the project 636.3 for the Russian Navy also complete repair of the submarine of the fourth generation Project 677 ("Lada").

(RIANovosti)

Navy Studying if Philippines Needs to Buy Submarine

28 Agustus 2012

The Philippine Navy is planning to acquire submarine not later than 2020. (photo : wn)

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III said the Philippine Navy is now conducting a study on whether or not it would be practical for the country to acquire its first submarine.

“That is being studied by our Navy – whether or not it is practical and whether or not it meets our needs,” Aquino said in an interview after touring the Navy’s latest and fastest surface combat-ready vessel, BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

Aquino noted that in 1998, a regional neighbor bought submarines from the Eastern bloc only to find out the vessels were not fit for tropical weather.

Submarines are equipped with sensors and radars that can monitor movement on the surface, and even identify nearby ships using propeller signatures.

The Philippine Navy is reportedly planning to acquire its first submarine, which can cost billions of dollars, not later than 2020.

(Interaksyon)

Four Thai Pilots Completed Gripen Training by Swedish Armed Force

27 Agustus 2012

RTAF Saab 39 fighter aircraft (photo : Saabgroup) 

Following the news that Royal Thai Air Force has purchased the Gripen fighter aircrafts, four Thai pilots have now completed the 11-week Gripen control training course by Swedish Armed Force.  Swedish Air Force Commander Major General Micael Byden recently handed certifications to the four pilots who will be based in Wing 7 division in Surathani province in Thailand.

The four Thai pilots were trained both in theory and practice in Gripen simulator.

They are the third lot from Royal Thai Air Force to enter the training. Last year six Thai pilots were sent to train at Skaraborg Wing, F 7, which is the base of JAS 39 Gripen, located in the south of Sweden for six months.

The first lot of Thai pilots was sent to train in Sweden for a year in 2010, where the programs included Air Defence and Ground-Attack trainings. They trained in Gripen simulator as well as in real Gripen aircrafts, reported Manager.co.th.

Royal Thai Air Force is the first air force in Southeast Asia to have JAS 39 Gripen base. Thailand has entered ‘Gripen Users’ Group which consists of six nations including Hungary, South Africa, Czech Republic, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

The air force has ordered 12 Gripen fighter aircrafts in 2008. Six of them were delivered in February last year.

(ASTV Manager)

Quickstep Begins Lockheed Martin C-130J Contract

27 Agustus 2012

Quickstep will manufacture carbon fibre wing flaps for Lockheed Martin's C-130J Hercules aircraft (photo : John Pumpkin)

Sydney – Carbon composites manufacturer Quickstep (ASX:QHL) today announced that it has received the first purchase order relating to its contract with Lockheed Martin to supply composite wing flaps for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

The order covers preliminary work such as planning, tooling and training activities which are already underway. This component of the contract is expected to be valued between $1.4 million to $1.6 million and will be completed prior to the first delivery of parts.

Together with the recent grant of an export licence, these activities pave the way to finalising the  long term agreement (LTA) with Lockheed Martin.  The LTA is estimated to generate revenues of $75 million to $100 million over five years.

Following signing of the LTA, Quickstep will prepare to manufacture initial components. First delivery of parts is expected in 1Q2014, in line with global supply chain delivery arrangements.

Quickstep’s Managing Director, Mr Philippe Odouard, said that the company’s success in winning competitive international tenders from companies such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman demonstrated Quickstep’s world-class manufacturing capabilities.

“Quickstep is in partnership with several of the world’s  largest aerospace companies, raising awareness of our capacity to deliver high quality carbon composites products.

“The commencement of the contract with Lockheed Martin is an important milestone for Quickstep, and follows closely  our opening of the most advanced carbon composites manufacturing facility in

Australia. 

“We look forward to securing further contracts and establishing Quickstep as an integral part of the

global supply chain for high volume carbon composites manufacturing.”

(Quickstep)

Enstrom Completes Thai Helicopter Delivery

25 Agustus 2012

Enstrom Helicopter Corp, has delivered all 16 of the contracted 480B turbine training and utility helicopters to Thailand's army. (all photos : Enstrom)

BANGKOK (UPI) -- Enstrom Helicopter Corp. has delivered all 16 of the contracted 480B turbine training and utility helicopters to Thailand's army.

Deliveries were completed on budget and ahead of contracted requirements, Enstrom said in a written statement.

"From contract-signing to final delivery, we completed this program in just 19 months," Enstrom President and Chief Executive Officer Jerry Mullins said.

"That included engineering, developing, testing, building and delivering 16 of the most advanced turbine training helicopters in the world."

The helicopters have Cobham electronic flight instrumentation systems, dual Wulfsberg RT-5000 transceivers, Honeywell radar altimeters and dual electronic-analog flight instrumentation.

"I think we've shown a small company can do big things," said Mullins.

Under a deal signed in October 2009, the helicopters have power line detection systems designed and manufactured by Safe Flight Instrument in White Plains, N.Y.

Safe Flight's PDS detects the electromagnetic fields of live power lines and alerts pilots with visual and aural warnings. As the aircraft flies closer to the power line, the warning intensifies.

Enstrom makes the 480B as a three-place advanced trainer and patrol aircraft as well as a three- to five-seat executive transport. Special law enforcement variants are made, called the 480B Guardian and the F28F Sentinel.

David Blake, of Enstrom's Asia representative Blake and DeJong, told Flight Global aviation Web site in early 2010 the 16 helicopters are the first 480Bs for the army but Thailand's civil aviation training school has two older Enstrom 480 models.

The Thai army flies medium Bell TH-67s and Schweizer 300s for training. Enstrom won the tender pitching against six other manufacturers.

In July 2011, Flight Global reported the Thai army had grounded its fleet of 54 Bell 212 helicopters after a crash that month that left three dead.

Local media reports said the 212 was lost in benign conditions as it flew to participate in a search-and-rescue mission near the border with Myanmar.

The mission was to retrieve nine bodies from the site of a Thai army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk that had crashed 19 July, Flight Global reported.

The Black Hawk was lost while attempting to retrieve five bodies from the site where a Bell UH-1 helicopter crashed on 16 July.

The Bell 212 was heading toward a mountainous, heavily forested area northwest of Bangkok when it crashed.

Enstrom also announced this year it had signed a contract with its representative in Japan to supply the Japanese military with 28 480-B aircraft by 2014. The deal with Aero Facility in Japan was signed at the Helicopter Aviation Industry convention in Dallas in February.

(UPI)

AS Berikan Sinyal Positif Penjualan Apache

25 Agustus 2012

Helikopter serang AH-64D Apache (photo : Airliners)

Liputan6.com, Jakarta -Pemerintah Amerika Serikat memberikan sinyal positif terkait penjualan helikopter perang jenis Apache kepada RI. Menurut Menteri Pertahanan (Menhan) Purnomo Yusgiantoro, AS telah menawarkan delapan unit Apache. Menhan juga menjelaskan kualitas helikopter dapat meningkatkan pertahanan Indonesia, khususnya di daerah perbatasan.

"AS sudah beri siynal, silakan jika Indonesia mau membeli delapan biji Apache. Helikopter ini dahsyat sekali dan memberikan efek gentar," kata Menhan saat ditemui usai memimpin Sertijab Eselon I Kemenhan di kantornya, Jakarta Pusat, Jumat (24/8).

Pembelian Apache mesti melalui proses pembahasan antara Kementrian Pertahanan, kabinet, dan DPR. Karena, membutuhkan dana yang tidak sedikit. Jika kabinet dan DPR menyetujui untuk membeli helikopter tersebut maka pemerintah Indonesia akan langsung menyambut tawaran AS.

"Kalau rencana beli, maka kita akan membeli delapan unit dan kalau itu juga disetujui oleh DPR," tukasnya.

Niat pemerintah Indonesia membeli Apache sebenarnya sudah ada sejak awal tahun ini. Pengadaan delapan unit pesawat tempur jenis Apache itu bukan karena ditawarkan begitu saja oleh pihak Amerika, melainkan, pemerintah RI yang memang mencari .

(Liputan6)

US Navy to Supply Australia with Refurbished Jammers for EA-18Gs

25 Agustus 2012

Growler's ALQ-99 jammer pods (photo : ipmslondon)

The US Navy (USN) will dip into its own inventory to supply Australia with the ALQ-99 jammer pods it needs for its future Boeing EA-18G fleet. The southwest Pacific nation is converting 12 of its 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets into the electronic attack Growler configuration.

While the low-band transmitter for the ALQ-99 suite is relatively new and in production, the mid-band jammers are not in production.

"We will be teaming with Cobham, Lansdale, Pennsylvania, to deliver low band transmitters to the RAAF [Royal Australian Air Force]," says the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). "The remainder of the transmitters and ancillary equipment--radomes, hardbacks, ram air turbines and universal exciters--will be provided as refurbished out of USN/USMC [United States Marine Corps] excess inventory."

The USN says that it expects to transition its forces to the Next Generation Jammer that is currently being developed.

"With the Next Generation Jammer IOC [initial operational capability] scheduled for 2018, we expect that the RAAF, USN and USMC will be using the ALQ-99 pods for one to two years until the USMC retires its ICAP [Improved Capability] III EA-6Bs in 2019," NAVAIR says. That will leave "just the RAAF and the USN as ALQ-99 users until the Next Generation Jammer comes online in adequate numbers for the USN to retire the ALQ-99."

(FlightGlobal)

Formal Launching of KRI Klewang will be Held on End of August

24 Agustus 2012

KRI Klewang, the trimaran design of fast missile ship for TNI-AL (image : North Sea Boats)

The new 63 metre long vessel is a cutting edge trimaran design that it cosidered to be the most advanced naval vessel of its type ever built in South East Asia. It incorporates a radical wave piercing hull form for improved seaworthiness and stability, and has been built from full carbon fibre composite materials, utilising the vacuum infusion process and vinylester resin. This method results in a structure that has increased strength, but also offers the benefits of lower operating, maintenance, and lifecycle costs.

In 2009 PT Lundin signed a contract to build a one of the most advanced “stealth” warship for TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy). This was the result of an intensive Research and Development programme conducted by PT Lundin Industry Invest (North Sea Boats) and TNI-AL that commenced in 2007. Construction commenced in early 2010, but due to the advanced design and construction methods, the project has been kept largely confidential until now.

Members of the press are invited to attend this significant event. The launching ceremony will be held on Friday 31st August, 2012 at PT Lundin’s shipyard facility in Banuwangi, East Java. The ceremony will be attended by dignitaries and senior officers of TNI-AL during which a briefing and Press Conference and interviews will be conducted.

 (North Sea Boats)

'Serangan' di Kota Belud

24 Agustus 2012

Antara peralatan senjata yang digunakan oleh 3 RAMD dalam demonstrasi di Kota Belud, Sabah baru-baru ini. (photo : Utusan)

SUASANA perbukitan di Tapak Tembak 6 di Kota Belud, Sabah pada pagi itu amat indah. Di utara, Laut China Selatan terhampar kebiruan mendamaikan pandangan, sedangkan di selatannya megah berdiri Kinabalu diselaputi awan putih bersih.

Dentuman senjata jenis Carl Gustav membuatkan keheningan pagi itu itu semakin bingit. Bola api deras meluncur ke arah sasaran yang terletak beberapa kilometer nun di atas bukit dan sasaran itu meledak, lalu angin menyebarkan bau bahan api ke udara.

Malahan beberapa jenis senjata bantuan seperti HMG, LMG, AGL, mortar dan beberapa jenis lagi telah dipertontonkan kemampuannya dalam menembak sasaran yang jauh.

Sebelum tembakan daripada senjata-senjata bantuan itu, demonstrasi pada pagi itu dimulai oleh kumpulan penembak tepat 3 Rejimen Askar Melayu Diraja (RAMD).

Di khemah kenamaan yang agak tinggi berhampiran tembakan itu berasal, Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin bersama isterinya Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni beserta rombongan sedang menyaksikan demonstrasi itu.

G-Wagon dilengkapi dengan AGL (photo : Militaryphotos)

Turut berada di lokasi ialah Panglima Briged Kelima Infantri Malaysia, Brigedier Jeneral Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Jalal bersama dengan pegawai-pegawai tertinggi tentera yang lain.

Sebelum acara di Tapak Tembak 6 berakhir, Tun Juhar dipelawa untuk mencuba sendiri senjata-senjata bantuan itu antaranya senjata AGL (Automatic Gun Launcher) dari G-wagon sambil dibantu oleh Abdul Halim.

Beliau begitu tenang melepaskan tembakan dari atas kenderaan tersebut dan berhasil mengenai sasaran walaupun dilihat agak payah bagi mereka yang kurang latihan dalam bidang ketenteraan.

Program tersebut merupakan Demonstrasi Tembakan Senjata Bantuan dan Persendirian Bersama Juhar yang mempamerkan pelbagai jenis senjata berat dari Batalion 3 RAMD yang berpangkalan di Lok Kawi.

Prajurit membawa senjata Carl Gustav (photo : USNavy)

Menurut Abdul Halim, latihan tersebut membabitkan RAMD dan dibantu oleh pasukan 507 Askar Wataniah itu mempamerkan tembakan seksyen, tembakan platun dan tembakan senjata bantuan.

Katanya, antara tujuan aktiviti tersebut dianjurkan ialah untuk mengeratkan hubungan antara pemimpin, terutamanya Juhar dengan angkatan tentera dan berharap beliau dapat melihat sendiri kehidupan dan latihan di kawasan latihan khususnya di daerah ini.

"Bukan itu sahaja, kita turut memperlihatkan bahawa kita terus menerus berlatih untuk menghadapi sebarang kemungkinan dan bukan duduk di kem sahaja untuk menunggu arahan," tegasnya.

Program tersebut merupakan antara tugas terakhir Abdul Halim sebagai Panglima Briged Kelima Infantri Malaysia yang berpangkalan di Lok Kawi sebelum berpindah Kementerian Pertahanan, Kuala Lumpur, sebagai Pengarah Pengurusan Latihan di Markas Latihan Tentera Darat.

(Utusan)